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Get ready for a one-of-a-kind student leadership experience at one of the most iconic destinations in the country—the Mall of America!
This conference brings together your student leaders for dynamic programming focused on personal growth, academic and career success, and building lasting connections.
September 26 - 28, 2025
Register by September 12th!
Ready to register but don't have a finalized student list?
Highlights:
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Career Development workshops to help you plan your next steps
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Hands-on sessions in STEM, Marketing, and Business
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College & Graduate School Fairs with reps from top programs
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Inspiring keynote speakers sharing real-world advice and leadership insights
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Exclusive access to Nickelodeon Universe for some well-earned fun
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⭐ And more surprises in store!
Pre-Conference Sessions
Start your Student Leadership Conference weekend with an unforgettable pre-conference session! Choose from two unique, hands-on experiences at the Mall of America that combine fun, exploration, and career insight.
Cost: $30/Person
Option #1: Mall of America STEM Tour: Innovation, Engineering & Sustainability
Friday, September 26th | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Dive into one of the most unique STEM learning experiences, right in the heart of Mall of America! This 90-minute guided tour blends fast-paced, insider knowledge of engineering marvels and sustainability initiatives with hands-on observation and inspiring discussion. You and your students will:
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Explore the design and mechanics behind attractions like Nickelodeon Universe®, uncovering what powers the rides and keeps the indoor universe in motion.
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Learn about Mall of America’s green efforts including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and using eco-friendly materials support business goals.
This tour equips students with real-world examples of how STEM and sustainability intersect in a massive, complex environment. Participants will be encouraged to think critically about engineering challenges, eco-conscious design, and how they can apply STEM skills to tackle tomorrow’s problems.
Option #2: Behind the Scenes at SEA LIFE: Career Exploration & Aquarium Tour
Friday, September 26th | 5:45 - 8:45 p.m.
Kick off your conference experience with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at SEA LIFE at Mall of America! Go beyond the glass as expert guides take you through the fascinating world of marine animal care at Minnesota’s largest aquarium. Get up close with sharks, sea turtles, and more as you explore how an ocean is created right in the heart of the Midwest.
This tour is paired with a dynamic career development session where students will explore the wide range of job roles at SEA LIFE, the skills needed for each, and the challenges staff face every day. Students will leave inspired to dream big, set goals, and discover how their passions might align with a future in marine science or beyond.
Keynote Speakers
Saturday, September 27 - Kao Kalia Yang
TRIO alumna, Award-winning Hmong-American writer, speaker, and teacher Kao Kalia Yang will deliver our Saturday keynote. Known for her powerful storytelling and advocacy for refugee and immigrant communities, Yang brings a deeply human perspective on leadership, identity, and resilience. Learn more about her work »
Saturday, September 28 - Daniel Jasper
Daniel Jasper is a speaker, storyteller, and guest experience leader with over two decades of experience in the hospitality, tourism, and nonprofit sectors. As a Senior Vice President at Mall of America®, Daniel spent 17 years leading PR, social media, tourism, and community relations for one of the busiest visitor destinations in the world. He helped launch the So Much More podcast, published MOA’s 30th anniversary book, and is writing two business books focused on leadership and guest experience.
Lodging Information
Stay Where the Action Is! 
Radisson Blu – Connected to the Mall of America
Make the most of your conference experience by staying right where it’s all happening. The Radisson Blu Mall of America is the official hotel for the 2025 EOA Student Leadership Conference—and it’s directly connected to the Mall!
Book Your Room by September 3rd!
A special room block is available for $199/night for conference attendees, but space is limited—reserve your spot early to lock in your stay.
Online Reservations:
Click here to book your room
Phone Reservations:
Call 952-314-5116 and ask for the 2025 EOA Student Leadership Conference room block.
Call for Proposals
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The Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) invites dynamic and engaging presenters to submit proposals for breakout sessions at the upcoming Student Leadership Conference. This exciting event will inspire and empower high school and college students through interactive learning, leadership development, and career exploration.
Submit a Proposal by August 1!
On Saturday, September 27 students will attend their choice of breakout sessions designed to engage in one of two areas:
- STEAM Track: Interactive science, technology, engineering, arts, and math workshops designed to inspire innovation and creativity.
- Business and Marketing Track: Workshops focused on personal branding, digital marketing strategies, and entrepreneurial thinking for the next generation of business leaders.
Therefore, we are seeking proposals for engaging, interactive breakout sessions that:
- Empower students to develop leadership skills.
- Provide real-world applications and hands-on learning experiences.
- Encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
- Highlight pathways to careers and further education within one of the stated areas.
Target Audience:
First-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students engaged in TRIO, GEAR UP, and similar college access programs. Sessions should be 45 minutes in length, designed for high school and college-aged students.
We welcome proposals from educators, professionals, graduate students, alumni, and community leaders! Submit your proposal by completing the form here.
The deadline to submit proposals is August 1, 2025. Notification of selected proposals will be made by August 29, 2025. Contact Erika Sterup at mokanne-president-elect@eoa.org with questions.
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College/Graduate School Fair Information
College Fair Registration
Institutions are invited to participate in the College/Graduate School Fair hosted at the Mall of America on Saturday, September 27, 2025!
This event will bring together over 400 high school and college students from TRIO Programs in the Midwest and across the country! Additionally, the fair will be free and open to the public. With approximately 110,000 people visiting the Mall of America daily, this is a unique opportunity to reach a wide variety of prospective students.
We are inviting undergraduate and graduate programs, to maximize the number of institutions and programs our students can interact with during this exciting event. Student participation in the college fair is incentivized, providing you with an excellent opportunity to connect with engaged and motivated students.
College Fair Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Hospitality will be provided for attending representatives)
- Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
- Table Fee: $495 per institution if you register by August 22, which includes access to StriveScan via promo code and hospitality. The registration fee will increase to $600 starting August 23.
- Audience: 400+ TRIO pre-college and college students from across the Midwest and open to the public!
- Registration Deadline: September 8, 2025
Colleges are encouraged to bring materials relevant to undergraduate, graduate, and licensure programs, especially those supportive of TRIO-eligible students (first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities).
To reserve your space, please complete the registration form and complete payment on the same website by September 8th. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us directly at collegefair@eoa.org.
You can register at a discounted rate of $495 until August 22nd. After this date, registration increases to $600. Your college fair registration fee is helping us to keep student registration costs lower, making this conference accessible to more students.
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